Entry-level MTB suggestions for 12-year-old boy?

[Razza]

Hi all,

We live in Melbourne, hoping to buy a new mountain bike for my son for his 12th birthday. Wondering if you can suggest any solid entry-level (not rubbish) options that are good for riding to school and for a bit of off-road?

I appreciate second-hand options are more cost-effective, but being a kid he'll want something new and shiny. It doesn't need to be a hardcore off-roader because we're just testing the waters here.

Would like to keep the budget at $600 but willing to stretch it if the benefits outweigh the extra cost.

Thanks in advance,
Razza

[MattyK]

At 12 he's probably up to a XS adult's 27.5" bike.
You're probably at or just below the break point between 7 speed freewheel bikes and 8+ speed freehub bikes, which will generally be better performing

This might be OK but I have heard poor reviews of the Alhonga brakes.
https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2022- ... ntain-bike

Of course for a 12 yo, the colour and brand is probably more important than the specs.

These look OK:
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... 3555004527
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... ntain-bike?
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... 7-5-198211?

[celeste boy]

I see quite a number of primary school kids riding big bikes to school. Maybe they will grow into them? Some are 29ers! Just to make it more complex for you.

[bychosis]

Unless intending to take it seriously off road a $600 bike shop brand bike should fit the bill.

Tricky bit will be sizing. My first 11yo got a small frame 26” wheel adult bike, but by 13 was sized for a large. Second 11yo for a small and at 14 is still (just) fitting a medium frame. Both had very different growth spurts. One between year 6&7 the other is kicking in in year 9.

Don’t discount a second hand bike too quickly. Chuck on some new grips and tyres, give it a good clean and it’ll still be an exciting upgrade for most kids, especially if it means they get to head off into the the burbs with their mates.

[Razza]

Thanks, will check em out

At 12 he's probably up to a XS adult's 27.5" bike.
You're probably at or just below the break point between 7 speed freewheel bikes and 8+ speed freehub bikes, which will generally be better performing

This might be OK but I have heard poor reviews of the Alhonga brakes.
https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2022- ... ntain-bike

Of course for a 12 yo, the colour and brand is probably more important than the specs.

These look OK:
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... 3555004527
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... ntain-bike?
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockr ... 7-5-198211?

[Razza]

Yeah, good call. I might have to revisit the secondhand options. It just seems the growth spurts are too random.

Unless intending to take it seriously off road a $600 bike shop brand bike should fit the bill.

Tricky bit will be sizing. My first 11yo got a small frame 26” wheel adult bike, but by 13 was sized for a large. Second 11yo for a small and at 14 is still (just) fitting a medium frame. Both had very different growth spurts. One between year 6&7 the other is kicking in in year 9.

Don’t discount a second hand bike too quickly. Chuck on some new grips and tyres, give it a good clean and it’ll still be an exciting upgrade for most kids, especially if it means they get to head off into the the burbs with their mates.